|
|
Post by woodsy on Oct 4, 2009 8:31:56 GMT 1
Gentlemen; is there one among you who is fortunate enough to own a .303 Vickers Belt Loading machine? ;D If so, I would very much like to obtain a selection of photos and measurements of the hopper so I can make a pattern and get them cast in bronze. There are a couple of members of this forum who are interested in them if I can make some. I need one to complete my Hotchkiss Strip Loader which uses the same hopper. If you can assist, please send me a PM.
|
|
|
|
Post by Peter Wells on Oct 4, 2009 8:45:59 GMT 1
Sorry Rod, can't help. My quest for a belt loader here in SA has been a dismal failure. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
Post by murray on Oct 8, 2009 9:18:09 GMT 1
Rod,
I usually see a number of belt loaders at the SAR show in Phoenix every year and as I am going again next month I will try and get you some photos.
Regards
Murray
|
|
|
|
Post by woodsy on Oct 8, 2009 20:49:52 GMT 1
Hi Murray
That would be much appreciated. ;D I would need good clear shots of the bronze hopper from each side plus inside views from the top and bottom. If you could get some dimensions as well that would be great.
Thanks
|
|
|
|
Post by murray on Oct 8, 2009 23:41:30 GMT 1
Not a problem Rod, it will be a pleasure. By the way, the referbishment of the Vickers transit chest is coming along very nicely thanks to your photos. I had a lovely piece of mahogany from which I have made the small wooden pieces including the wooden toggle locks. The only thing I am really missing is the thick felt which is tacked to some of the blocks. Any ideas.   Regards Murray. |
|
|
|
Post by woodsy on Oct 9, 2009 0:41:36 GMT 1
Old carpet underfelt is perfect for thickness and texture but is usually brown. The original stuff was grey.
|
|
|
|
Post by andrewupton on Oct 9, 2009 17:45:49 GMT 1
The only thing I am really missing is the thick felt which is tacked to some of the blocks. Any ideas. Regards Murray. Old carpet underfelt is perfect for thickness and texture but is usually brown. The original stuff was grey.Sorry to disagree, but my 1944 dated Slazenger made Vickers/Lewis retains it's full complement of original felt throughout, and it's very definately brown, not grey. |
|
|
|
Post by woodsy on Oct 9, 2009 21:23:28 GMT 1
My Lithgow box also has brown felt but my Bren boxes (from Canadian & UK makers) all have grey. I would assume that the colour was not that important provided the felt met the specs for padding.
|
|
|
|
Post by tom on Oct 10, 2009 1:41:25 GMT 1
The stuff is a type of freize / felt called "fearnought". the thicknesses used for various parts are listed in the DD(E)s as well as the size and spacing of tinned nails, and the whole lot was rubbed with tallow or mineral jelly after being glued and nailed on.
DD(E) 2335 for the 7.92 Besa chest is particularly clear on it. No colour is specified.
They made firemans clothes out of the stuff and most famously it was used for hanging curtiains over the doors in magazines aboard ships.
ATB
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by woodsy on Oct 10, 2009 5:56:42 GMT 1
Good work Tom! ;D You have yet again proved the value of good research, especially into bloody obscure subjects!  |
|
|
|
Post by tom on Oct 10, 2009 9:37:35 GMT 1
Hi Rod,
looking at the relevant VAOS theres a parts nonuber for it HB 0590, it came in 30.5 in widths and the LoC is "A 822", should any one have access to the set. That would give you chapter and verse on it.
ATB
Tom
|
|
|
|
Post by murray on Oct 11, 2009 5:19:23 GMT 1
Thanks Guy, So to ask the next question,"Where do I get felt" .....when one lives on a remote desert Island which does not even have shops?? I can see now that is the same consistency as the old felt underlay for carpets. I also see from your photos Rod, that the ends of the chest are also lined with felt, again red in your case. I have called by brother-in-law who works in a bargain second hand shop in Paraparaumu and to see if he can find me some but maybe some one on the forum might also know where I could but a small piece. I reckon I'll need about 2 sq feet in total. Next two questions. In the left hand back corner of the chest there is a square block with a round hole in it. I estimate from your photos Rod that it could measure 1&3/4"x 1&3/4"x 4" deep. It has a round hole in it, looks to be about 1" in diameter. Are my estimates correct and how deep is the hole and what is the block and the hole used for?? Last question, does anyone have any of the linked brass chain that is used to hold the lid from swinging too far back and also retains the insert for the water-jacket support block. Talk about restoration by remote control!!!!!!  Murray Great Barrier Island. |
|
|
|
Post by markfinneran on Oct 14, 2009 7:00:52 GMT 1
I will send you photos asap but to be sure I am doing the right thing - the vickers hopper is not the same as the hotchkiss hopper.
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by markfinneran on Oct 14, 2009 7:02:12 GMT 1
As for the felt in transit cases etc, they make great underpants, particularly if liberal amounts of jelly are applied.........................................so i'm told!
|
|
|
|
Post by woodsy on Oct 14, 2009 20:49:41 GMT 1
Hi Mark I have assumed the Vickers and Hotchkiss loaders shared the same hopper because they look the same in photos, and have a similar oval mounting plug at the bottom. I am happy to be steered in the correct direction! |
|
